ROME — Starting February 2, tourists visiting Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain will face a new 2-euro fee for accessing the fountain’s basin. This change aims to manage the crowds and support the fountain’s maintenance. Visitors can still enjoy the square around the fountain for free.
The fee applies from 11:30 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 10 PM on weekends. Notably, locals, children under six, and individuals with disabilities and their companions are exempt.
Argentine traveler Valentina De Vicentis expressed mixed feelings: “I didn’t know about the fee, but I think it will help reduce the crowd. It gets so busy you can’t take pictures or enjoy your time.”
The Trevi Fountain is famous for its legend: throwing a coin assures your return to Rome. It also gained fame from the classic film La Dolce Vita, where actress Anita Ekberg invited Marcello Mastroianni into the fountain.
Historically, over 10 million people visited the fountain in 2024, coinciding with a Catholic Jubilee that attracted around 33.5 million pilgrims.
As tourism flourishes in Rome and beyond, entry fees are becoming common at major sites. Landmarks like the Pantheon and Venice’s historic districts now charge fees to help manage the surge in visitors.
Recent data shows that overtourism is a significant concern, prompting cities to implement strategies for better visitor management. A 2022 survey indicated that 70% of travelers are willing to pay small fees to help preserve attractions.
As more cities adopt these measures, it highlights an evolving landscape for tourism, ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy these beautiful sites while keeping them sustainable.
For more insights on tourism trends, you can check this detailed report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
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